ArtCenter Students Reimagine MOCA in Partnership with USC

This past fall, ArtCenter College of Design partnered with the USC School of Architecture to reimagine the visitor’s experience to The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) at the downtown Grand Avenue location. Tasked with activating the street level public space and creating a more equitable entry to the cultural destination, students in the 14-week course presented design proposals to MOCA Director Philippe Vergne and Director of Visitor Engagement Catherine Arias on December 13, 2017 at the museum.

The course, co-taught by ArtCenter faculty Chiara Ferrari and Jeff Higashi with USC professor Geoffrey von Oeyen, was sponsored by MADWORKSHOP, a nonprofit foundation in support of emerging designers who make a positive impact on society.

Students worked together to transform spaces such as the museum’s café, lobby lounge, courtyard and bookstore. They submitted a video, phone apps, a scale model, schematic architectural and design drawings to convey their collective vision for the spaces based on research and conversations with the museum team.

The final studio presentations offered imaginative solutions to many of MOCA’s complex challenges, including wayfinding and equal accessibility for all patrons.